Current Tenders & Competitions

The Dubai Urban Elements Design Challenge is an international competition spearheaded by Buildner in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). It invites architects and designers from around the world to envision and propose innovative small-scale architectural elements that will define the human experience across Dubai’s diverse urban landscape. Focusing on seven distinct city zones—ranging from residential and suburban to high-end commercial and historical/artistic districts—the competition seeks design solutions for pedestrian bridges, benches, lighting, street furniture, signage, and more. These elements should reflect the local context of each zone while contributing to a unified urban language across the city.

The aim is to foster a more cohesive, functional, and visually rich public realm that enhances daily life, promotes sustainability, and reinforces Dubai’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity. Winning concepts will be considered for implementation within Dubai’s public infrastructure, offering designers the opportunity to contribute directly to the city's evolving identity. With a total prize pool of €500,000 and a platform that offers global exposure, the competition promises to be a landmark initiative in redefining how small-scale design can make a big impact on urban living.